today 6,500 students from 45 states and 5 countries are enrolled at empo r*eu a state university. ranked as a tier 1 university by "u.s. news and world report" it offers the opportunity to participate in more than 130 student organizations. emporia state remains committed to training teachers to a nationally aclaimed teacher training program. if you ask someone who made a difference in your lives, no one says my senator. but they will say if not mom and dad, a teacher. educating teachers is a noble calling. in fact, the teachers college holds the international reading association award and certificate of distinction for reading preparation for elementary and secondary teachers, one of only five programs honored internationally in 2009. and in a national study of teacher education programs, emporia state was named one of only four postsecondary institutions in the nation to be identified as the exemplary model teacher education. i congratulate emporia state for their success in equipping our nation's educators. as we know, the work of a teacher impacts lives of every american now a